Since this is the first time my delegation is taking the floor in the plenary,
allow me to extend our congratulations to you on assuming the chair. I would
also like to congratulate the other members of the Bureau and pay a special
tribute to Mrs. Mary Robinson, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, whose
dedication and tireless efforts contributed greatly to the realization of the
Conference.

After a lengthy preparatory process, we have finally gathered in Durban, South
Africa for the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia
and Related Intolerance. I wish to thank the Government and the people of South
Africa for hosting the World Conference. Given the heroic struggle of the people
of South Africa against apartheid which was one of the worst forms of institutionalised
forms of racism, no other venue would better symbolise the importance of combating
racism. The emergence of the post-apartheid South Africa as a democratic and
multi-racial state is a source of inspiration for the World Conference in its
endeavours to eradicate the scourges of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia
and related intolerance.

Mr. Chairman,

All human beings are born equal in dignity and rights. Any doctrine of racial
superiority is therefore legally and morally unacceptable and cannot be justified
on any ground. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
threaten the fabric of our societies and moral values.

Despite all the efforts for the promotion and protection of human rights, violations
persist in the world. Racism and racial discrimination are among the most serious
violations of human rights. The resurgence of racism, racial discrimination
and xenophobia continues to challenge the exercise of most fundamental human
rights and freedoms in many parts of the world.

In spite of the success in the elimination of institutionalised forms of discrimination
such as the Holocaust and apartheid, international community is still experiencing
new, mounting waves of bias, exclusion, racism and violence. Contemporary forms
of racism constitute a major threat to friendly and peaceful relations not only
among states, but peoples as well. Hence, the need to struggle against all forms
of discrimination is more evident than ever.

It is the changing nature of racism and the complex forms of intolerance and
prejudice existing today which has necessitated a third World Conference against
racism. We must stop this breed of racism. Understanding the past is of course
essential to building a better future. However, we should not become captive
to the past, but rather be forward looking. Then, we could perhaps protect those
who are vulnerable to or who have been victimised by racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related in tolerance in the contemporary world.

Mr.Chairman,

The patterns of contemporary racism are different from those
of past decades. Official doctrines of superiority based on racial differentiation
perhaps no longer exist. However, the resurgence of ultra-right parties or movements,
particularly in the midst of multi-cultural societies, must be deterred by the
international community through co-operation and show of solidarity.

During the World Conference we should deal with a wide range of issues expanding
from the sources, causes, victims and measures of prevention. Given the time
constraint, please allow me to touch upon one particular group of victims, namely
migrants and migrant workers. As a state having four million citizens living
in foreign countries as migrant workers and members of their families, Turkey
has gained first hand experience about discrimination and xenophobia against
its migrant workers in some countries.

In a number of countries, form of discrimination suffered by the migrants and
migrant workers, find expression in limited access to or even denial of public
education, health care and employment. This situation often leads to violation
of their social and economic rights.

ILO studies provide ample evidence of direct and indirect
discrimination against migrant workers. Discrimination is the seed that breeds
racism with migrants and migrant workers often being the main target. Racism,
racial discrimination and xenophobia aimed at the migrant workers sometimes
tragically result in deadly violence. Unfortunately, numerous Turkish citizens
living in western societies have lost their lives in such acts of violence.
It is our utmost hope that, after the World Conference, the international community
will exert all the required efforts for ending the sufferings of all the victims
of contemporary forms of racism, including migrant workers.

Mr. Chairman,

Regarding the measures of prevention, I would like to draw your attention to
the role of the media in fighting racism. We should not underestimate the positive
contribution of the media to the struggle against racism and discrimination.
Nevertheless, certain media circles, by promoting false images and stereotypes
of vulnerable groups and individuals, particularly of migrants, migrant workers
and refugees, have indirectly encouraged the spread of racist and xenophobic
sentiments. We believe that we should have a unified stand against these circles.
The successfiil conclusion of this conference will be an important step in that
direction.

Mr. Chairman,

In today's world, values such as "democracy", "the supremacy
of law", "human rights" and "tolerance" have become
the main criteria for evaluating the advancement of nations individually and
collectively. It is therefore incumbent upon every state and every nation to
do its utmost to advance human rights and the culture of tolerance.

Intolerance is a rejection of diversity and one of the most crucial issues of
our time. It is one of the root causes of many conflicts in the world. Its extreme
fonns have lead to human suffering, ethnic cleansing and atrocities.

Turkey, as the successor of the Ottoman Empire, has acquired
a legacy of centuries old culture of peace and tolerance. We are proud that
the Turkish Republic has cherished and further improved this culture.

Mr. Chairman,

It is our most sincere wish that at the end of this Conference
we will be able to take a significant step in the struggle against racism and
come up with concrete results to ensure progress in combating racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Furthermore, we hope that
we would be able to forge partnership between governments, civil society and
the media, which would constitute a global alliance aimed at eliminating all
kinds of racial discrimination.

Turkey is ready to undertake its responsibilities within this global alliance.